Mountaintop Removal MiningMountaintop removal mining (MTR) is a radical form of coal mining in which entire mountains are blown apart to access coal. It began in the 1970’s when increased demand for coal in the United States, sparked by the 1973 and 1979 petroleum crises, created incentives for a more economical form of coal mining.

MTR expanded further in the 1990’s to retrieve relatively low-sulfur coal which became desirable as a result of amendments to the U.S. Clean Air Act. These regulations tightened emissions limits on more polluting high-sulfur coal processing.

MTR has devastated over one million acres of Appalachia, polluting headwater streams, contaminating drinking water and destroying a distinctly American culture that has endured generations. Over 2,000 miles of streams have been buried and more than 500 mountains and ridge tops literally have been “blown apart”….gone for eternity.

What Are the Effects of MTR on Families and Communities?Even government agencies that regulate mountaintop removal agree that the effects on nearby homes and communities can be devastating. In their Mid-Atlantic Regional Assessment, the Environmental Protection Agency states:

“The impact of mountaintop removal on nearby communities is devastating. Dynamite blasts needed to splinter rock strata are so strong they crack the foundations and walls of houses. Mining dries up an average of 100 wells a year and contaminates water in others. In many coalfield communities, the purity and availability of drinking water are keen concerns.”

In addition to the frequent loss or pollution of drinking water, families living near mountaintop removal sites contend with: flooding; blasting; and sludge dams. Visit ilovemoutains.org for a description of these impacts, as well as answers to most frequently asked questions about mountaintop removal mining.

VisitMountain Justicefor a description of the steps and the impacts associated with mountaintop removal mining.

Take Action Today!TheClean Water Resources Protection Act is a bill in the US House of Representatives which will sharply reduce mountaintop removal coal mining by protecting our headwater streams, where our rivers, like the Mississippi and the Ohio, are born. Over 2,000 miles of streams have already been buried and polluted. But we can stop this.

Contact your Representative today and ask him or her to become a cosponsor. Simply click here, enter your zip code, and either thank your elected official for sponsoring these bills, or ask him or her to do so, by using the letter provided. It’s easy, effective, and will take you just a few minutes.

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At every coal plant tested in Illinois, the ash contaminants are found in the groundwater. Every single one. Tell the Illinois Pollution Control Board you want them to pass the strongest rules possible to protect Illinois’ environment and communities by signing this petition by Prairie Rivers Network.Continue Reading

EJC brings people together to work for a healthy planet. Our leadership in education, advocacy and collaboration has been instrumental in reducing power plant pollution; fighting subsidies for dirty coal; and creating public forums that explore pathways to a just and sustainable future. Our work includes:

Initiating the Chicago Clean Power Coalition, which re-invigorated the campaign to close Chicago’s two old coal plants (which were closed in September 2012).

Organizing the annual Great Lakes Chicago BIoneers annual that highlights innovation and possibilities for bringing about a just and sustainable future, using nature as our guide.

Serving on the leadership team for Heartland Coalfield Alliance, which is working state-wide to make a just transition from a coal economy to one based on clean, reliable, safe energy.

About Eco-Justice Collaborative

EJC brings people together to work for a healthy planet. Our leadership in education, advocacy and collaboration has been instrumental in reducing power plant pollution; fighting subsidies for dirty coal; and creating public forums that explore pathways to a just and sustainable future.
Examples of our work include:

Initiating the Chicago Clean Power Coalition, which re-invigorated the campaign to close Chicago’s two old coal plants (September 2012).

Organizing the annual Great Lakes Chicago BIoneers annual that highlights innovation and possibilities for bringing about a just and sustainable future, using nature as our guide.

Serving on the leadership team for Heartland Coalfield Alliance, which is working state-wide to make a just transition from a coal economy to one based on clean, reliable, safe energy.